cabinet for a refrigeration compressor delimiting an inner space designed to receive electrical and electronic components, characterized by having at least one support for the electrical and electronic components and a protective cap having an open side face delimited by an edge whose shape at least partially matches the shape of the side wall of compressor, cap being intended to be applied by its open side face against the side wall of the compressor, thus forming one of the walls of the cabinet. The cabinet accommodates the electrical and electronic command, control, and protection components on refrigeration compressors ensuring that the electrical and electronic components are held at their operating temperature and that tightness and vibrations are at an acceptable level.
|
10. A cabinet for enclosing at least one of an electrical component and an electronic component for use with a refrigeration compressor, the refrigeration compressor defining a side wall having an operating temperature during compressor operation below ambient temperature, the cabinet comprising:
a support defining an upper face that contacts and supports the at least one electrical component and electronic component; and
a cap having a concave side defined by an edge that at least partially substantially corresponds to a shape of the side wall, the cap being connected to the support and the side wall such that the upper face, the cap and the side wall define an inner space that is sufficiently sealed to enable the side wall to cool the inner space to a temperature below the ambient temperature.
1. A cabinet for a refrigeration compressor delimiting an inner space designed to receive electrical and electronic components, comprising:
at least one support for the electrical and electronic components; and
a cap having an open side face delimited by an edge whose shape at least partially matches the shape of a side wall of the compressor, the cap being intended to be applied by its open side face against the side wall of the compressor, thus forming a wall of the cabinet;
wherein the cap has seals on at least part of its edge in contact with the side wall of the compressor; and
wherein the at least one support, the cap and the side wall of the compressor define and sufficiently enclose the inner space of the cabinet, such that the side wall of the compressor is in direct contact with the inner space of the cabinet to cool the cabinet and the electrical and electronic components.
2. The cabinet according to
4. The cabinet according to
5. The cabinet according to
7. The cabinet according to
9. The cabinet according to
|
The present invention relates, in general, to refrigeration compressors. This invention relates in particular to a command and/or control and/or protection unit for a refrigeration compressor.
1. Field of Invention
Compressors currently in use have a terminal box for electrical connection containing a small number of components providing command, control, and protection functions. In current applications, although the acquisition and regulation devices are near the compressor, the command, control, and protection part is centralized, for several compressors, in one unit in the refrigerating machine or facility. It is then necessary to have a complex processor that controls all the inputs and outputs for the compressors. As a result, these complex processors and the cabinets containing them are specific to each compressor configuration on these machines. This causes high costs because these components are non-standard and require configuration and installation at the actual assembly site of the refrigerating machine or facility. This equipment is complex, difficult to test, and has defects that appear only after assembly, which can lead to low quality or defects at the customer's facility. Moreover, in the centralized equipment currently in use, these various command, control, and protection components used for compressors are dimensioned taking into account the operational environment. In particular, the high temperature in the cabinet due to the heat dissipation of these components and those used in other functions of the machine.
2. Related Art
A new approach consists of standardizing and optimizing the command, control, and protection functions and placing the components supporting these functions close to or in the compressor. Hence, the processor becomes standard as far as the compressor functions are concerned, using a bus link. The compressor and its cabinet become a simple, standard unit from the manufacturer which is tested well before final installation. The risks of defects after assembly of the refrigeration system are thus limited.
When the electrical components responsible for command, control, and protection are brought as close as possible to the compressor, they must be placed under favorable conditions, in terms of:
The present invention enables the components to be placed under the conditions described above using, in particular, the heat exchange properties of the side wall of the refrigeration compressor.
For this purpose, the present invention according to one exemplary embodiment relates to a cabinet for a refrigeration compressor delimiting an inner space designed to receive electrical and electronic components, characterized by having:
The opening in the cabinet on the compressor wall enables the compressor wall to be used to cool the cabinet and the electrical and electronic components that it contains.
This is because the side wall of the compressor is in contact with the suction chamber of the compressor. Thus, the wall is in contact with the suction gas, which is cold because it comes from an evaporator located upstream of the compressor in a cooling circuit. For example, for one type of refrigeration compressor that is in use, the temperature range of the suction gas is between −20° C. and +25° C. The temperature of the wall is substantially equal to the temperature of the gas and thus varies between the same values. The wall is hence a source of cooling that can be used for the cabinet.
Advantageously, the support for the electrical and electronic components has at least one horizontal plate attached at one of its ends to the side wall of the compressor, and covered by the cap. This arrangement enables the electrical and electronic components to be mounted on a stable support and the cabinet to then be closed by the cap.
The invention is also characterized in that in one exemplary embodiment the protective cap has seals on at least part of its edge in contact with the side wall of compressor. These seals ensure protection when the compressor is washed for example, or if it is exposed to the weather.
The invention is also characterized in that in one exemplary embodiment the protective cap has a convex general shape. This cap shape prevents liquids from collecting on the seals.
The invention is also characterized in that in one exemplary embodiment the support is designed to allow liquid residues to be evacuated. This arrangement evacuates liquid residues coming from condensation, ice melt, or washing residues. The side wall of the compressor may collect condensation under wet conditions, or become iced over because of its low temperature.
Advantageously, the support is attached to the lower part of the compressor. This arrangement minimizes vibrations to which the electrical and electronic components are subjected.
Advantageously, the support has means for attaching the protective cap. The connection between the cap and the support makes the cabinet sturdier.
According to one option, the support is made of plastic supporting the wiring and attachment of the electrical and electronic components. This approach reduces assembly time and reduces the risk of quality defects.
According to one option, the support is made of metal. This approach guarantees simple and inexpensive reduction to practice.
Advantageously, the protective cap is made of ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene). ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) has good mechanical strength and high thermal inertia.
The invention will be better understood with the aid of the following description, with reference to the attached schematic drawings.
To minimize the vibrations to which the electrical and electronic components 6 are subjected, horizontal plate 16 is attached to the lower part of compressor 3 and, moreover, the electrical and electronic components 6 are attached vertically.
Protective cap 5 has a general convex shape to prevent liquid from collecting. This cap 5 is made of a material that has good mechanical strength as well as high thermal inertia such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). This cap has three vertical and substantially planar surfaces 7, as well as a convex upper face 8. This cap 5 has an open bottom to allow passage of plate 16, and a side opening delimited by an edge 9. This edge 9 is designed to be applied against the side wall 4 of compressor 3 and hence has a shape matching the shape of this wall 4. A tab 10, partially covered with a peripheral seal 12, is provided on edge 9. The lower part of tab 10, not covered by a seal, forms a lug 13 designed to be locked in relation to plate 16 to attach protective cap 5. Protective cap 5 has, on the upper part of its edge 9, attaching means in the form of holes 14 for the studs to pass.
The side wall 4 of the compressor has studs 15 enabling protective cap 5 to be attached through holes 14. Tightening on the studs 15 is blocked by contact with a groove, not shown, on cap 5. The peripheral seal 12 is then compressed optimally against the side wall 4 of compressor 3 and the tab 10 of cap 5 to ensure tightness.
According to one embodiment, the horizontal plate 16 has threaded holes 18 for attaching the electrical and electronic components 6. Openings 19 provided in horizontal plate 16 allow power cords to pass through.
Vertical fins 25 provided on the side edges 26 of horizontal plate 16 guide the protective cap 5 when cabinet 2 is closed and hold it in position.
The horizontal plate 16 has a front edge 23 having a shape that matches that of the side wall 4 of compressor 3.
Vertical fins 22 are provided on this front edge 23 as well as the front edge of vertical fins 25, in which holes 24 enabling plate 16 to be attached to the side wall 4 of compressor 3 are provided.
Vertical fins 22 extend in front of edge 23 of horizontal plate 16 to form a 2 mm wide groove 20 between the front edge 23 of the plate and the side wall 4 of compressor 3 when horizontal plate 16 is attached to side wall 4 of compressor 3. This groove evacuates liquid residues coming in particular from condensation or melting ice on the side wall 4 of compressor 3 or from the washing fluid when cabinet 2 and/or compressor 3 are washed.
In addition, plate 16 has areas engaging the lugs 13 of the cabinet that are provided on its front edge 23 forming grooves 28 when the plate is attached to the side wall 4 of compressor 3. These grooves 28 lock the lugs 13 on the tab 10 of edge 9 of protective cap 5 so that the cap is held in position when cabinet 2 is closed.
The support described in the form of an independent plate 16 of protective cap 5 can also be integral with this cap.
The side wall 4 of compressor 3 has studs 27 for attaching horizontal plate 16 through holes 24 provided for the purpose.
The electrical and electronic components 6 that can be seen in
While this invention has been described in conjunction with the specific embodiments outlined above, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the preferred embodiments of the invention as set forth above are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.
de Bernardi, Jean, Rosson, Yves, Augagneur, Michel, Vandelanotte, Renaat
Patent | Priority | Assignee | Title |
10028399, | Jul 27 2012 | Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc. | Compressor protection module |
10161400, | Jul 21 2014 | DANFOSS TIANJIN LTD | Snap-in temperature sensor for scroll compressor |
10485128, | Jul 27 2012 | Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc. | Compressor protection module |
9480177, | Jul 27 2012 | Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc. | Compressor protection module |
Patent | Priority | Assignee | Title |
3771321, | |||
3782580, | |||
3943728, | Jan 02 1974 | YORK INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION, 631 SOUTH RICHLAND AVENUE, YORK, PA 17403, A CORP OF DE | Air-cooled condenser apparatus |
4398400, | Nov 03 1980 | NECCHI COMPRESSORI, S R L | Terminal board and relays casing assembly in motor compressors for refrigerators |
5199898, | Sep 23 1991 | Tecumseh Products Company | External terminal shield |
5333460, | Dec 21 1992 | Carrier Corporation; CARRIER CORPORATION STEPHEN REVIS | Compact and serviceable packaging of a self-contained cryocooler system |
6290528, | Jul 14 1998 | Carrier Corporation | Electric power supply connector for sealed compressor |
6302654, | Feb 29 2000 | Copeland Corporation | Compressor with control and protection system |
6305989, | Aug 30 1999 | Emerson Electric Co | Connector block for a terminal assembly |
6318105, | Aug 17 2000 | Carrier Corporation | Control box for a room air conditioner |
6375439, | May 28 1998 | ITALIA WANBAO-ACC S R L | Hermetic refrigeration compressor with improved control and connection means |
6438985, | Apr 07 2000 | Kabushiki Kaisha Toyoda Jidoshokki Seisakusho | Air-conditioning unit |
6752646, | Aug 27 2001 | Group Dekko, Inc | Compressor plug cap assembly |
6870098, | Sep 23 2002 | Tecumseh Products Company | Conduit-ready terminal cover |
DE19642148, | |||
DE4412840, | |||
EP793068, | |||
FR2028340, | |||
FR85734, | |||
JP10238466, | |||
JP2000121210, | |||
JP2002285962, | |||
JP626461, |
Executed on | Assignor | Assignee | Conveyance | Frame | Reel | Doc |
Apr 20 2004 | Danfoss Commercial Compressors | (assignment on the face of the patent) | / | |||
Apr 20 2004 | Carrier Corporation | (assignment on the face of the patent) | / | |||
May 03 2004 | DE BERNARDI, JEAN | CARRIER CORPORATION SOCIETE DE DROIT AMERICAIN, | ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS | 015126 | /0964 | |
May 03 2004 | ROSSON, YVES | Danfoss Commercial Compressors | ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS | 015126 | /0964 | |
May 03 2004 | DE BERNARDI, JEAN | Danfoss Commercial Compressors | ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS | 015126 | /0964 | |
May 03 2004 | ROSSON, YVES | CARRIER CORPORATION SOCIETE DE DROIT AMERICAIN, | ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS | 015126 | /0964 | |
May 11 2004 | AUGAGNEUR, MICHEL | Danfoss Commercial Compressors | ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS | 015126 | /0964 | |
May 11 2004 | AUGAGNEUR, MICHEL | CARRIER CORPORATION SOCIETE DE DROIT AMERICAIN, | ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS | 015126 | /0964 | |
May 12 2004 | VANDELANOTTE, RENAAT | Danfoss Commercial Compressors | ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS | 015126 | /0964 | |
May 12 2004 | VANDELANOTTE, RENAAT | CARRIER CORPORATION SOCIETE DE DROIT AMERICAIN, | ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS | 015126 | /0964 |
Date | Maintenance Fee Events |
Aug 15 2010 | M1551: Payment of Maintenance Fee, 4th Year, Large Entity. |
Aug 21 2014 | M1552: Payment of Maintenance Fee, 8th Year, Large Entity. |
Nov 12 2018 | REM: Maintenance Fee Reminder Mailed. |
Apr 29 2019 | EXP: Patent Expired for Failure to Pay Maintenance Fees. |
Date | Maintenance Schedule |
Mar 27 2010 | 4 years fee payment window open |
Sep 27 2010 | 6 months grace period start (w surcharge) |
Mar 27 2011 | patent expiry (for year 4) |
Mar 27 2013 | 2 years to revive unintentionally abandoned end. (for year 4) |
Mar 27 2014 | 8 years fee payment window open |
Sep 27 2014 | 6 months grace period start (w surcharge) |
Mar 27 2015 | patent expiry (for year 8) |
Mar 27 2017 | 2 years to revive unintentionally abandoned end. (for year 8) |
Mar 27 2018 | 12 years fee payment window open |
Sep 27 2018 | 6 months grace period start (w surcharge) |
Mar 27 2019 | patent expiry (for year 12) |
Mar 27 2021 | 2 years to revive unintentionally abandoned end. (for year 12) |